Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND CAMPUSES
SANTA ROSA CAMPUS
City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
(GEED 10063)

COMPILED BY:

APRILYN E. CALVARIO
Faculty

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UNIT 1 – COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY IN A MULTICULTURAL WORLD

OVERVIEW:

Today, more than ever, we find ourselves navigating through different communities
sharing common spaces. Communication has never been fascinating yet so complex in today’s
multicultural world.

In this unit, you will learn how relevant effective communication is in a multicultural world
specifically in facilitating more purposeful and respectful understanding of each other regardless
of gender, age, culture, and ethnicity.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. describe the nature, elements, and functions of verbal and non-verbal communication in
various and multicultural context
2. identify communication barriers to improve one’s communication skills

COURSE MATERIALS:

Lesson 1: Describing the Nature, Elements, and Functions of Verbal and Non-verbal
Communication in Multicultural Contexts

Communication is one of the more essential human activities that enable us to make
connections, create meanings, and nurture understanding. It is an activity that we practice every
day with the people around us. When we communicate, we send messages that are received
and understood through the symbols that are used. These symbols are shared in specific
culture; they may be verbal, such as spoken or written words, or non-verbal, such as gestures,
facial expressions, and appearances. Responding to these symbols used in meaningful
communication through various appropriate channels fulfills its purpose of making connections.
A channel of communication such as airwaves or sound waves shapes the way we respond to
the message we received. More and more today, these channels have altered the meanings of
messages that are sent and received.

In any human interaction, spoken words are not the only way to communicate. To
communicate is to express thoughts and emotions through verbal and non-verbal means that
convey certain meanings within and across according to its contexts. Body language, facial
expressions, and the tone of one’s voice all contribute to convey thoughts and emotions in a
non-verbal manner. Often, these non-verbal elements stress and enhance what one wishes to
communicate. Appreciating and understanding these elements may help you initiate and sustain
more effective communication for various purposes. For example, when you fold your hands in
front of your chest as you explain your opinion on taking public transportation, how do you thnk
this kind of body language facilitates your message? Does your body feel at ease as you stress
a point? Or are your shoulders raised and hunched? You may be feeling tight and tense as you
fold your arms in front of you. What about your face? Is your forehead relaxed? Or do your
eyebrows try to meet, creating a wrinkle between them. In addition, with your arms folded in
front of you, your shoulders hunched, and your face in a frown, what is the tone you use? Is it
the kind of tone you would use to tell a funny story? Or is it a tone that is low and serous? How

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do you think the person across you will react to what you are trying to explain with your folded
hands, hunched shoulders, frowning face, and serious tone? You may not be aware that your
body can signal certain messages without your having to use any words.

Indeed, one’s body language, facial expression, tone and voice, and appearance are
non-verbal elements that play a role n communicating effectively. They may:

- assert and/or hide one’s identity

- stress and/or dismiss the importance of an idea
- evoke a certain emotion or feeling
- demonstrate one’s attitude
- reveal one’s attitude
- reveal one’s value
- allow and/or control participation

In addition, in multicultural contexts. You must pay special attention to what these non-
verbal elements may convey. Gestures, expressions, and tone of voice are not universal;
neither are they absolute in their meanings. What you wear, how you stand, the physical
distance you maintain when talking to someone – these are but are some ways of
communicating messages, whether international or not. Being aware of these non-verbal
elements may allow you to use them in a relevant way that generates favorable results. In a
world that has grown smaller because of the accessibility of travel and information, an
awareness for the significance of non-verbal communication skills may lead to happier trails;
ignorance of these useful elements may lead to regrettable detours.

Similarly, a purposeful awareness of the effective use of verbal elements of

communication in a multicultural setting may lead to more rewarding adventures. But a lack of
awareness for the importance of verbal elements may result in complicated mishaps. Language
use in terms of word choice is a significant element in making meaningful connections and
fostering harmonious understanding in a community. There are certain words that shape our
messages intentionally or unintentionally. Culture plays a large role in the way we understand
certain words. Many people may understand how a villain or the bad character in a movie may
be described as “wicked.” However, those belonging to an older generation may not understand
why young people would describe a roller coaster ride as “wicked.” Indeed, a word has a
denotative meaning based on the definitions in a dictionary, and a connotative meaning,
based on the fluid context of its uses.

Word choice may also include or exclude certain groups of people in the process of
verbal communication. A specific group of people who share a common interest may use a
distinct king of slang or jargon. Gamers use a kind of slang to joke about newbs who still do not
know what LOL or ROLF mean. Indeed, to use slang with ease is a mark of belonging to a
unique group who have similar preferences in hobbies, sports, entertainment, and various
lifestyles. Jargon, on the other hand, refers to technical language that is used by professionals
in a certain field. Medical doctors use jargon that is different from professionals who have
doctoral degrees in linguistics. The term ad lib among medical doctors may be understood
differently from adlib as used by those working in the government, public relations. Finally,
euphemisms and double speak are choices in language use that hide certain truths. The
purpose of using euphemism is a to make a concept or idea more acceptable. Helping a loved
one with lingering illness to go through “pain management” may be easier to do than accept the
inevitability of death. Although the purpose of using euphemisms is to create a more positive

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tone and view towards a particular idea, it may be misleading. Similarly, using doublespeak
may be more misleading as it tends to cover up a difficult reality of an issue. For example, a
student who is said to be going on a “gap year” may be actually skipping a year to earn much-
needed money for tuition. Indeed, non-verbal and verbal elements of communication are
dynamic and essential parts of human interaction. Interestingly, word choice as an essential
verbal element in communication is made more fascinating when we imagine people of different
cultures engage in conversations.

Communication in Various Multicultural Contexts

In a multicultural and multilingual setting, using English may not necessarily ensure
smooth and easy exchanges. Word choice, pronunciation, and even grammar rules vary in the
Englishes that multilinguals use around the world. You may think that English is the same
wherever you may find yourself. But what you hear in a popular song or read on a billboard
while travelling abroad may reveal that people have different ways of using languages to
express meanings. The world does not speak in English alone; neither does it speak in one
variety of English. There are many factors in our physical and social environment that shape the
way we use English. What do you think happens to a given language like English when people
of varying demographics, cultures, and ethnicities use it? For example, compare the English
that is used among teenagers today and the older who were born before World War II. Perhaps
statements like “Just Google it” to help find information may be lost on a 95-year old
grandparent. Similarly, a father who describes a “shindig” to mean a fun party may not be
understood right away by his teenage daughter. Indeed, cultural and social practices, norms,
and trends all shape the way we use languages, particularly English. Changes in language use,
indeed, depend on where, when, and who uses it. For certain, having an open, attentive, and
respectful attitude when engaged in conversations in English makes for a more pleasant and
enjoyable journey.

TASKS/ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENTS

Understanding Word Choice in Multicultural Contexts

Watch Filipino-Canadian, Mikey Bustos, illustrates the uniqueness of what he calls “Pinoy
English” <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqlFT8zT8V8>

Questions for Discussion:

1. What Pinoy English expressions from this video are familiar to you?
2. In what instances have you used them? Recall these situations.
3. Comment on the main of Bustos’ video about how we have different ways of using
English based on our contexts.

Writing A Relevant Response

After watching the video, you may be forming a certain insight about it. You need to
know the process of writing a relevant response. First, writing a relevant response assumes that
you had been paying attention to the information you have received from previous lessons and
discussions. It is assumed that you have been taking take of your various insights, feelings, and
attitudes as you were doing the previous task.

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Read the sample paragraph that demonstrates a relevant response to Mikey Bustos’
YouTube video on Pinoy English.

Using English: It’s more fun in the Philippines!

By: Cholo Sediaren

I believe that Filipinos have transformed the English language into something distinctly Pinoy as
Mikey Bustos illustrates in his YouTube video tutorial on Pinoy English. For instance, a “dirty kitchen”
can be found in many Filipino homes. But this kitchen is not really dirty; it refers instead to a kitchen
located outside the main house, where the “dirty work” of cooking is done. The same word, “dirty” is
used for “dirty ice cream” which refers to homemade ice cream that is sold by wandering vendors on
the streets. Another example is the Filipino’s use of the word “salvage.” In the dictionary, this word
pertains t being saved. But it refers to something entirely opposite in the Philippines: to salvage is to
kill or murder someone. Interestingly, because of our nation’s colonial history under the Americans
and our consequent inclination toward Western culture, we have since adapted the English language
to animate our daily conversations, to address the needs of our educational and professional
settings, and to enliven our popular culture. Who does not know the heartwarming lyrics of Jose Mari
Chan’s classic “Christmas in Our Hearts”? Indeed, using English in our local contexts may also
reflect our identity as a people who are creative in adapting the foreign influences around us. We
Filipinos should be proud of our many accomplishments while using the English language; but we
must also remember to be mindful of our contexts when we use any language so that we do not
offend or confuse anyone carelessly.

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the writer’s attitude toward Pinoy English?

2. Is his attitude similar to or dissimilar from Mikey Bustos’ view in the video?
3. What examples are illustrated n the relevant response to support the writer’s view?
4. How does the writer conclude the paragraph?

Reflection:

How does one’s culture shape everyday communication?

Lesson 2: Analyzing the Principles, Process, and Ethics of Effective Communication

People communicate various meaning all the time in their everyday conversations.
These are all largely spontaneous and unrehearsed. But there are factors such as audience,
context, and purpose that shape the way a conversation begins, continues, and ends. How you
and your relatives talk to each other and laugh about certain shared experiences may be
different when a foreigner joins the discussion. How we communicate depends on who we are
talking to, what we are discussing, and where and when the conversation is taking place.

A speech is an example of verbal communication that is delivered to a specific audience

in a given context for a clear purpose. These factors guide the development and effectiveness
of the speech. In preparing for any verbal communication, one must be mindful of the following:

Audience – a group of people whose backgrounds, concerns, and interests may

shape the way a message is received

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Context – conditions that shape the contents of the message such as significant
period, or the sender’s background and experiences

Purpose – a concrete set of objectives or reasons for addressing a specific

audience in a given context

Communication Principles and Process

Sender Expected
(Context and Audience outcome or
Purpose) action

A person who sends any message comes from a specific context and has a specific
context and has a specific purpose. This person or sender communicates this message to a
particular audience. As it is directed to a particular audience, the sender expects some concrete
outcome or action as a result. If the context and purpose are intentional or planned in advance
for a specific audience, then much careful thought and effort must go to how the message is
delivered in order to achieve the desired outcome. Today’s realities require a consistent
mindfulness for the ethical use of language when preparing for such a deliberate form of
communication like a speech or a journalistic piece. Practicing ethics in communication is
anticipating and weighting the effects of one’s message on an audience. It is also using
information that come from credible, verifiable, and relevant sources. It is communicating with
no intent to harm another; it is being careful, attentive, and inclusive through word choice and
tone. It is looking at differences as a way to understand each other and what matters to us. It
never silences, and it welcomes disagreements as opportunities for knowing others in a more
respectful and thoughtful manner.

Aside from considering your purpose, audience, and context, identifying the different
language registers for spoken and written English is also essential in effective communication.
What are the differences between spoken and written language? You may have different
answers to this question based on what you remember from your lessons in high school. You
can say that spoken is conversational, therefore informal, and written is more formal. But this is
not always the case. One consideration to make in answering the question is language register.
What is register? Register refers to the style and degrees of formality that we use depending on
our communication contexts. For instance, the kind of English we read in medical abstracts is
different from the language that we read in legal documents. Also, the kind of language we use
in casual conversations with friends is different from the language we use when we deliver a
formal speech in front of an academic community. In general, language register is categorized
as such.

The formal register is more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a
stranger.

The informal register (also called casual or intimate) is conversational and appropriate when
writing to friends and people you know very well.

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The neutral register is non-emotional and sticks to facts. It is most appropriate for technical
writing.

TASKS/ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENTS

Look for examples of communications that shows the three kinds of register.

Watch Yeb Sano, “It’s time to stop this madness”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6RXGGFBdlo

During his speech, Sano added an unscripted pledge to fast during the conference, until
meaningful progress had been made. He said:

“In solidarity with my countrymen who are struggling to find food back home and with my
brother who has not had food for the last three days, with all due respect Mr President, and I
mean n disrespect for your kind hospitality, I will now commence a voluntary fasting for the
climate. This means I will voluntary refrain from eating food during this COP until a meaningful
outcome is in sight.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is the context of this speech?

2. What is its purpose?
3. Who is the audience?
4. What kind of word choice does Mr. Sano use to convey his message?
5. In what parts do his tone and manner of delivery, comment on the kinds of language
register used in certain parts of the speech?
6. As you identify the tone and manner of delivery, comment on the kinds of language
register used in certain parts.
7. What parts of Mr. Sano’s speech resonated with you the most? Why?
8. How does Mr. Sano practice ethics in communication his message?

Reflection

In endeavoring to move an audience to think and act in a certain way, what must we
consider in our choice of words and use of language?

Lesson 3: Communicating in Multicultural Settings

Culture is a way of life that is cultivated and deepened in a community of people who
share similar beliefs, values, behaviors, and goals. Many of what we do every day, the habits
we repeat, and the customs we follow are unique to our own communities. Indeed, culture plays
a significant role in the way communication is shaped and achieved. It forms the rules and
norms that make communication either an easy task or truly a complex process.

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Explaining Unique Cultural Practices: Cultural Characteristics that Shape

Communication

In any culture, there are certain sets of behavior that are expected and acceptable; there
are also those that are considered disrespectful, demeaning, and, therefore, deemed
unacceptable based on cultural norms and practices. These behaviors may have to do with how
we communicate to family members, relatives, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. For
example, the physical gesture of mano po is a traditional Filipino demonstration of respect for
older people. This gesture requires that a younger member of the family reaches for an elder’s
hand so that it may be put in on one’s bowed forehead as a sign of humility and
acknowledgement of one’s age and position in the family. Indeed, communicating an attitude of
deference toward acquaintances within the community or friends of the family is a unique
cultural characteristic. Customarily, young Filipinos address older female members of the
community as ate (older sister) or tita (aunt), and older male members as kuya (older brother) or
tito (uncle). Yet another example of behavior that communicates something significant, albeit
troubling, is leaving a party without saying the long customary goodbyes; leaving without
observing this ritual may be seen as rude to the hosts of the gathering. One’s departure may be
seen as abrupt and inconsiderate of the hosts’ feelings and efforts in extending hospitality.
Indeed, these habits and practices are learned though the necessary and enjoyable interactions
we experience as part of a community. But meaningful communication is not only achieved
through words and gestures in spoken or written language. Indeed, being part of a vibrant
culture means knowing how to communicate certain meanings in unique and special ways.

TASKS/ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENTS

Read: Doreen Fernandez’s “Food as Language”

Questions for Discussion

1. What “nuances and meanings” does food carry for the Filipino according to Fernandez?
2. Aside from illustrating specific examples of food as gifts, how else do Filipinos convey
meanings in a non-verbal manner?
3. What attitudes and feelings area associated with the kinds of food illustrated I the text?

Reflection:

What unique traditions and practices do you know that express special meanings in
certain cultures?

Writing a Reaction Paper

Writing a reaction paper is like having a conversation with some text you have just read
or engaging in an internal conversation as you encounter a vivid experience. During a significant
event such as experiencing something for the first time or reading a text that has piqued your
imagination, you may have felt certain emotions or thought of striking insights that have had
profound effects on your attitude and behavior. You may have laughed in delight, shouted in
horror, shaken your head in consternation, or asked a question out loud to no one in particular.

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These genuine reactions may be expressed best in writing. The readiness to write about your
reactions to a unique experience assumes that you carry within you a spirit of openness and
wonder. Indeed, the gift of a distinct experience is best appreciated with a strong sense of being
present in the moment. Whether it is reading experience or an experience that took you
somewhere, writing about it is one of the gratifying ways of honoring the moment and
remembering it for a long time. When shared with others the reaction paper becomes a
testament to unique individual experiences that bind us together in our common humanity.

Example of reaction paper to a memorable experience:

Read Muanpuii Saiawi’s “My Life in Korea: ‘Thank You’

http://newsletter.kf.or.kr/english/print.asp?no=1808

Questions for Discussion

1. What is the writer’s main reaction to her experiences in Korea?

2. How does she support this main reaction? What examples does she illustrate about her
stay in Korea?
3. What striking insights does she gain about Korean culture?
4. What does her main reaction prompt her to resolve doing?

Reflection
How does travel allow us to deepen and expand our views of foreign cultures?

REFERENCES:

Bustos, M. “Pinoy English” <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqlFT8zT8V8>

Fernandez, D. Food as Language.
Saiawi, M. My Life in Korea: ‘Thank You’. Date retrieved: 2 October 2020
http://newsletter.kf.or.kr/english/print.asp?no=1808
Sano, Y. “It’s time to stop this madness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6RXGGFBdlo
Suarez, C. et al. (2018). Purposive Communication in English. Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila
University Press.

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